Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is strongly associated with wound healing in a number of clinical specialties. The utility of PRP in skin rejuvenation has caused much interest in the field of Aesthetic Surgery, with the potential ability to promote healing, augment tissue and promote stem cell growth, and has thus been widely investigated 1.

PRP & Micro-NeedlingAsif et al evaluated valuate the efficacy and safety of platelet- rich plasma (PRP) combined with micro-needling for the treatment of atrophic acne scars. Patients of 17–32 years of age with atrophic acne scars were enrolled. Micro-needling was performed on both halves of the face. Intradermal injections as well as topical application of PRP was given on right half of the face, while the left half of the face was treated with intradermal administration of distilled water. The authors were able to demonstrate that the PRP-treated side showed a greater reduction in acne scarring by Goodman’s quantitative scale, and considerably improved outcomes using Goodman’s Qualitative Scale; they concluded that micro-needling with PRP enhanced final clinical outcomes compared to micro-needling alone. 2.

Non-Ablational Fractional Laser & PRPShin et al treated Twenty-two Korean women with three sessions of fractional laser; 11 were treated with topical application of PRP combined with fractional laser. Evaluations were done at base- line and 1 month after the final treatment. Patients receiving PRP combined with fractional laser displayed increased subject satisfaction and skin elasticity and decreased the erythema index. PRP increased the length of the dermoepidermal junction, the amount of collagen, and the number of fibroblasts.

Ablative Photothermolysis & PRPKim and Gallo , in looking to determine whether PRP would be an effective adjunctive treatment to fractional carbon dioxide resurfacing, and reduce healing time and duration of adverse effects, performed a Prospective blinded study of male and female patients 18 years or older and with Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV performed at Miami Institute for Age Management and Intervention.

Significant improvement in post treatment erythema was observed in PRP-treated subjects across 94 comparisons in 15 patients. Improvement was defined as the erythema rating of the untreated arm minus the erythema rating of the PRP-treated arm. A mean improvement in edema was also significant across 94 comparisons. The preliminary results suggest that PRP can objectively reduce erythema and edema following carbon dioxide fractional laser treatment. Most importantly, patients themselves have noticed a reduction in the common post-treatment effects: erythema, edema, pruritus, and discomfort 4.

The use of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) as a therapy for hair restoration has demonstrated great promise. Studies have indicated positive trends in stimulation of hair growth in both male and female pattern hair loss 1.

The study of androgenetic hair loss represents the field most closely studied:Gentile et al randomized 23 patients to receive either PRP injections versus saline placebo injections. The trial protocol indicated three treatments with monthly intervals between injections. The patients were monitored for 2 years after treatment. At 3 months, total hair density showed a mean increase of 45.0 hairs per cm2. No relapse in symptoms was identified until 1 year post-treatment, where 4 of the23 patients demonstrated relapse, and were re-treated 2.

Alves and Grimalt, 25 patients with androgenetic alopecia were enrolled in a half-head treatment study for hair restoration. PRP was injected to one-half of the head, and saline into the other half (control); a series of three injections at one-month intervals comprised the course of treatment. After 6 months, statistically significant improvement in anagen hairs, telogen hairs, hair density, and terminal hair density was identified, as well as significantly increased in hair density compared with the control 3.

Meta-analysis studies have shown PRP to be an effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia, although protocols vary between trials, and may affect outcomes. The most successful outcomes were demonstrated in trials employing three treatments at monthly intervals 4.

Positive results are reported for alopecia areata treated with PRP by Trink et al; 45 patients with alopecia areata were randomized to receive intra-lesional injections of PRP, triamcinolone acetonide, or placebo on one-half of the scalp while the other half went untreated. The patients treated with PRP demonstrated a significant increase in hair regrowth, de-creased hair dystrophy, and decrease in the burning and itching sensations when compared with the triamcinolone acetonide or placebo injections 5.

Alopecia areata (AA), also known as spot baldness, is a condition in which hair is lost from some or all areas of the body, often resulting in a few bald spots on the scalp, each about the size of a coin. The loss can be permanent. None of the hitherto existing therapeutic options are curative or preventive.

However a randomized, double blind study – the most highly regarded type of scientific research methodology - by Trink et al, reported in the British Journal of Dermatology that PRP therapy was found to increase hair regrowth significantly and to decrease hair dystrophy and burning or itching sensation compared with a placebo.

PRP also achieved significantly greater hair regrowth than Triamcinolone Acetonide – currently the treatment of choice for AA. As PRP is derived from the patients’ own blood, it not only shows greater hair regrowth tan Triamcinolone, but avoids possible side effects associated with the drug.

This study suggests PRP as a new treatment modality for AA, being a safe and more efficient alternative to TrA

Clinical photographs of the scalp of a patient with alopecia areata (AA) who was treated on the occipital part of the scalp with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and on the frontal part of the scalp with placebo. The patch treated with PRP had completely resolved after 1 year (T3), while the frontal patch of AA increased in size.

Liposuction has been used successfully for many years in the world of cosmetic surgery. Designed to enhance the most commonly cited problem areas such as the stomach, thighs, and bottom, the procedure works by removing stubborn fatty deposits from areas typically difficult to reach through diet and exercise alone.Even though liposuction is usually done on an outpatient basis, it does have significant recovery times with associated bruising, swelling and pain lasting around two to three weeks. It can take many months to really see results from liposuction meaning this is not a treatment for patients looking for instant improvement.Because PRP cuts recovery times, increases cell stability, and promotes healing, it is the perfect adjunct to liposuction procedures.Safe and effectiveAdding PRP to surgical procedures works by stimulating blood vessel growth and promoting collagen production: both major players in the healing process. In addition, PRP treatment is entirely autologous, which is a major benefit to patient and medical practitioner alike. There is no risk of rejection of foreign material or allergic reaction, and the possibility of infection is incredibly low; a definite plus point for prospective patients.How it worksProcessing the patient’s own blood to deliver a concentrated dose of platelet-rich plasma super-sizes the body’s own healing process. Platelets get to work to begin clotting, trigger the production of growth cells, and are responsible for the healing process by stimulating collagen production and the growth of new blood vessels. Platelet-rich plasma helps to speed up recovery time because of the concentrated dose of platelets, and can reduce trauma responses such as swelling and bruising.Added BonusUsing PRP during such procedures also opens up the possibility of using the retrieved fat elsewhere in the body. Fat transfer procedures have traditionally meant unpredictable results because the harvesting and processing causes minor damage to cells. PRP acts directly upon the cells concerned making them viable thanks to increased stability before the transfer procedure takes place.Further, adding PRP to the fat transfer site means the process of angiogenesis is enhanced. Improving the connection between the transferred fat and the blood supply is an innovative way to improve the aesthetic outcome.Because PRP is an extremely effective adjunct to fat transfer procedures, such treatments are growing in popularity and can also be used on more delicate parts of the body.Patients and practitioners looking for the latest in innovative cosmetic enhancement procedures need look no further than PRP.PRP is the innovative adjunct treatment your practice has been looking for.Get in touch todayClinics Direct provides everything you need to extract, process and re-apply in our single use e+PRP platelet rich plasma preparation kits.

If you want to find out how adding PRP to fat transfer procedures can help you and your patients, fill out our online form to book a free demonstration of our unique system. Find out first hand what PRP can do for your clients and your business.

Age spots, poor skin tone, volume reduction, and fine lines and wrinkles are the primary signs of ageing. For patients looking for cosmetic enhancement procedures, these signs are also at the top of the list when it comes to the desire to restore a youthful appearance.Age spotsAge spots caused by years of over-exposure to the sun can be successfully treated with PRP. Skin colour homogeneity is improved after just three PRP treatments because collagen production is stimulated and growth factors are released resetting the skin’s rejuvenating processes.Skin toneTight and taught skin is the hallmark of a youthful appearance. Traditionally, dermal fillers have been used to mimic a reduction in fine lines and early wrinkles. Fortunately, PRP offers a superior alternative to traditional dermal fillers. Rather than the limited effect of fillers like Juvederm and Restylane, PRP improves the whole facial area, not just isolated zones.Volume ReductionAs we age the volume in our skin is reduced thanks to the natural drop in collagen and elastin production. These proteins are the main products involved when it comes to skin elasticity and volume – triggering the reproduction of both with PRP is the best way to reverse one of the more subtle signs of ageing.Fine lines and wrinklesFine lines and wrinkles are caused by a reduction in the elasticity of our skin and a reduction in collagen. The PRP process requires a series of small injections that place concentrated growth factors directly where they are needed. This then triggers the patient’s own natural healing procedures to stimulate the body’s biological repair processes in order to promote collagen and elastin production.The ProcessPRP treatments are very simple and time-effective. In a period of thirty to sixty minutes, blood is drawn form the patient, spun down in a centrifuge, and processed. The platelet-rich plasma is finally re-applied either topically or via subcutaneous injection in its new concentrated form.Treatments generally last for up to eighteen months after an initial period of repeat treatment, and are entirely autologous. This means there is very little risk to the patient in terms of rejection, allergic reaction, or infection.PRP then, is the ultimate in minimally invasive, innovative cosmetic enhancement treatments.Once in situ, the platelet rich plasma triggers the body’s healing and repair processes. Collagen production is stimulated, and growth factors are delivered straight to the target site. Treatments take around three weeks before results are seen, a time frame in tandem with the repair and regeneration processes of the human body.Find our more todayIn our innovative e+PRP platelet rich plasma preparation kits, Clinics Direct provides everything the medical practitioner needs to extract, process and re-apply PRP treatments in a single use pack.If you want to find out how adding PRP procedures to your clinic can help you and your patients, fill out our online form to book a free demonstration of our unique system. Find out first hand what PRP can do for your clients and your business.

Hyperpigmentation is a harmless and very common condition that can cause sufferers to become self-conscious. For some sufferers, the condition can become emotionally difficult to cope with.Simply put, hyperpigmentation is caused by the over production of melanin in certain areas. This overproduction causes dark patches that are very difficult to conceal and affect all skin colours and types.One of the main causes of hyperpigmentation is skin damage after long-term exposure to the sun. This is why hyperpigmentation often goes hand in hand with other generalised signs of ageing. Other causes include hormonal birth control and pregnancy.Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation can also occur after more localised damage for example, after a particularly nasty spot, because it is linked to the inflammatory process, which triggers melanin production.

Hyperpigmentation responds well to treatments that boost skin cell renewal and collagen production, which makes it the ideal candidate for PRP treatment. The condition has traditionally been treated with chemical peels, lasers and more recently, microneedling – all of which can come with a host of unpleasant side effects.PRP TreatmentPRP treatment involves injecting a highly concentrated dose of autologous platelet-rich plasma to the target area. Studies have shown that repeated treatments at two-week intervals produced an 80% reduction in epidermal hyperpigmentation after just three sessions. Following such a treatment protocol with strict instructions to apply sunscreen throughout the year is prudent to prevent reoccurrence.PRP is the latest in innovative cosmetology treatments and has been used to successfully treat impaired volume, tone and texture, fine lines and wrinkles, as well as acne scarring and hair loss. Prior to this, PRP had been used for many years in the fields of orthopaedic and cardiac surgery, and in sports injury recovery.Truly a remarkable product produced from start to finish by our own bodies.Of course, treating hyperpigmentation with PRP is not the end of the story. Patients looking to improve areas of high pigmentation also have the added benefit of PRP’s side effects: namely improved skin tone and texture, improved volume, and an overall rejuvenated appearance.It’s hard not to see the benefits to patients and practitioners.

How does PRP work?A small amount of the patient’s blood is drawn and then spun down to separate out the layers. Then, the platelet-rich plasma is re-injected at the target site.Because PRP is entirely autologous, there is no risk of infection, rejection, or allergic reaction, which means PRP procedures are considered extremely low-risk. PRP is an astute choice when it comes to the latest in non-invasive, highly effective cosmetic treatments.Patients and practitioners looking for the latest in innovative cosmetic enhancement procedures need look no further than PRP.Get in touch todayClinics Direct provides everything you need to extract, process and re-apply PRP treatments in our single use e+PRP platelet rich plasma preparation kits.If you want to find out how adding PRP procedures to your clinic can help you and your patients, fill out our online form to book a free demonstration of our unique system. Find out first hand what PRP can do for your clients and your business.

Motivation for cosmetic surgery and cosmetic rejuvenation can vary hugely from person to person. Generally speaking, potential patients who can answer the following questions positively, make for the most informed candidates:

Are you making this decision for yourself?

Are you fit and do you take regular exercise?

Do you eat a healthy and well balanced diet?

Are you looking to improve rather than radically alter?

​Reputable aestheticians with patient care foremost in their minds know that well informed, fit and healthy patients who are fully in control of the decision to undertake sometimes drastic and aggressive rejuvenating procedures, will have the best outcome.Of course, there are a number of conditions that generally speaking, can exclude certain potential patients. Those who are: overweight, obese, or smokers can often be very poor candidates. Medically, there are certain conditions that can also exclude patients such as: diabetes, hypertension, bleeding disorders, arthritis, elevated cholesterol, and severe allergy.Offering rejuvenating treatments that are less invasive, and that actively work to speed up clotting time and healing, as well as producing fantastic results, is the smart choice for any busy practice.How can PRP help?PRP is autologous, speeds up healing times, and reduces recovery time. Because of this, choosing a PRP-only rejuvenating treatment, or adding it to a combination treatment, can be a wonderful opportunity for patients for whom invasive procedures would be risky.Platelets are the body’s own repair mechanism. Within the first hour after injury, growth factors become present at the wound site and continue to be generated for around a week to ten days. Growth factors go hand in hand with increased collagen production and angiogenesis. Localised stem cell proliferation, and robust tissue regeneration processes are also triggered by the introduction of platelet-rich plasma. All of this makes PRP one of the leading innovations in cosmetic rejuvenation today.Furthermore, because PRP is autogenous, there is no risk of infection, allergic reaction, or rejection of foreign material. In turn, PRP can be used as an extremely efficacious rejuvenating treatment for patients reluctant to undergo more invasive procedures due to pre-existing health conditions.The procedureExtracting and producing platelet-rich plasma is a simple and fast process. Blood is drawn from the patient, it is then spun down in a centrifuge to separate the layers, and finally, the platelet-rich plasma is either re-injected to the patient’s target site, or applied topically.Because of this speed and ease, PRP treatments can be undertaken in a period of thirty to sixty minutes – a winning solution for both practitioner and patient.With fewer treatments needed and longer times between top-ups than traditional cosmetic procedures, PRP additionally offers great value to the patient.Get in touch todayClinics Direct are the UK supplier of e+PRP. Our unique single, compact, sterile pack contains everything needed to draw blood from the patient, process it, and apply the treatment to the patient. If you want to find out more, fill out our online form to book a free demonstration of our unique single-use system and see how PRP can work for your patients.

Fat transfer techniques provide an answer to the age-old dilemma: taking fat from an area of the body with too much, and using it to enhance an area with too little. The stomach and thighs are often the primary areas from which fat can be transferred, while breasts, bottoms, and even the face are the most common recipients.

Of course, such procedures incur long recovery times and are invasive in nature; this is where PRP rises to the occasion.

Fat transfer with added PRP can produce long-lasting, augmentation to multiple areas of the body. This is because the addition of PRP stimulates cell growth within the fat itself improving its quality and volume retention whilst working together with the patient’s body to heal the area rapidly.

Safe and effectiveOf course, the ultimate appeal of fat transfer with PRP is that the treatment is entirely autologous. This means there is no risk of rejection of foreign material or allergic reaction, and the possibility of infection is incredibly low; a definite plus point for prospective patients.

Fat harvesting and the processing causes minor damage to cells and this is where it is beneficial to add PRP to the process. PRP works its magic directly upon the cells concerned making them viable with increased stability before the transfer procedure.

Adding PRP to the fat transfer site means the process of angiogenesis is enhanced. Improving the connection between the transferred fat and the blood supply is an innovative way to improve the chance of a successful, long-lasting result.

BenefitsPlatelets are the first cells on the scene when the body incurs an injury. They get to work to help bleeds to clot, trigger the production of growth cells, and are responsible for the healing process by stimulating collagen production and new blood vessels. Platelet-rich plasma helps to speed up recovery time because of the concentrated super-dose of platelets, and can reduce trauma responses such as swelling and bruising.

In the case of fat transfer procedures, PRP helps to promote healing and stabilise the fat itself. This means that results last longer and a better cosmetic outcome is achieved.

Because PRP is an extremely effective adjunct to fat transfer procedures, such treatments are growing in popularity and are even starting to be used on more delicate parts of the body such as the face and breasts.

Patients and practitioners looking for the latest in innovative cosmetic enhancement procedures need look no further than PRP.

Get in touch todayClinics Direct provides everything you need to extract, process and re-apply in our single use e+PRP platelet rich plasma preparation kits.

If you want to find out how adding PRP to fat transfer procedures can help you and your patients, fill out our online form to book a free demonstration of our unique system. Find out first hand what PRP can do for your clients and your business.

PRP, the latest innovation in cosmetic rejuvenation treatment, can be used either alone, or as the perfect adjunct to more aggressive procedures with significant recovery times. PRP used together with laser resurfacing techniques for example, assists by stimulating the body’s repair processes, cutting healing time, and improving the overall aesthetic outcome.

Laser resurfacingLaser resurfacing employs thermal energy to destroy damaged areas of skin by pulsing short but powerful beams of light at the target area. The body’s healing processes are thus triggered to regenerate the area with new, fresh skin and tissue. Laser resurfacing is effective when used to fight skin irregularities that have had a detrimental effect on the tone and texture of the skin. The best candidates for laser skin resurfacing are patients looking to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, shallow acne scarring, and those suffering with the effects of enlarged pores.

As with any treatment that works by purposefully damaging layers of the skin, recovery times from laser resurfacing can be significant and extremely uncomfortable for the patient. Following the procedure, patients are bandaged and after twenty-four hours, have to commit to a wound care regime that involves cleaning the treated area up to five times per day. As part of the wound care regime, scabs must not be allowed to form or the final outcome will be affected. Minor side effects like pain, swelling, bruising, and redness can take around two to three weeks to disappear and can reduce the patient’s ability and inclination to socialise. Laser resurfacing is certainly not a procedure to be undertaken lightly.

Adding PRP to the protocol works in two ways: by stimulating the production of collagen, and accelerating healing time.

Benefits to the patient are significant, PRP has been shown to substantially cut down on recovery times following invasive cosmetic procedures. For such a simple yet innovative technique, the question really should be: why isn’t everyone complementing cosmetic procedures with PRP?

How it worksThe PRP procedure is very simple and can be undertaken in around thirty minutes from extraction to completion. First the patient’s blood is extracted then spun down in a centrifuge to separate out the platelets. The platelet-rich plasma is then prepared prior to either re-injection, or topical application in its new, concentrated form.

It gets to work by triggering the body’s own healing processes and stimulating wound-healing mechanisms – only without the wound.

ResultsPRP results are incredibly natural looking and the process is entirely autologous. In addition, results can last for up to eighteen months, which makes PRP a cost-effective, and high-value treatment option for the discerning patient.

PRP, the latest in innovation and efficacy, is unique in its ability to work as a treatment in its own right, and also when used in combination with other cosmetic therapies.

How does PRP work?Plasma-rich plasma treatments work by triggering the body’s own natural repair mechanisms to produce more collagen. Just as when injury occurs, platelets rush to the scene and become the first responders. Rejuvenating PRP procedures work in exactly the same way only there is no injury as such. Once the platelets are introduced, the body kicks into action as the platelets start to release growth factors with the eventual result that the skin is improved in texture, tone, and appearance.

Adding platelet-rich plasma to the targeted area of concern stimulates the body’s healing and repair processes and has been shown to increase production of stem cells and fibroblasts. In turn, in dermatology processes, PRP treatments result in improved appearance and general rejuvenation of the target area.

PRP rejuvenating procedures are characterised by an entirely natural look. Patients undergoing PRP treatments don’t suffer the tell-tale signs of traditional rejuvenating techniques, instead they appear as their younger, and best selves. A real benefit of PRP is that results can last for up to eighteen months – longer than other treatments that must be regularly topped up.

The procedure is very simple and can be undertaken in thirty minutes from extraction to completion. Our unique single-use packs mean cosmetic practitioners have everything needed to extract the patient’s blood, spin it down, process it, and apply the finished platelet-rich plasma product.

Cosmetic DermatologyPRP can be used in combination with other treatments in order to maximise the eventual outcome, working to enhance results when used alongside aggressive procedures. For example, PRP can prolong the duration of results achieved with traditional fillers, be used alongside microneedling, and can be employed as an adjunct to laser resurfacing treatments.

Microneedling is used to fight skin affected by acne scarring, dark pigmentation, and sun damage amongst others. It works by puncturing the problem area with tiny needles to wound the skin, and thereby trigger the healing process. Because of this, when microneedling procedures are complemented by PRP applied by injection or topically, recovery time can be shortened and the final outcome is enriched.

Similarly, laser resurfacing employs thermal energy to target and destroy damaged areas of skin. As with microneedling, the body’s healing processes are triggered to regenerate the area with new, fresh skin and tissue.

Adding PRP to this process is advantageous as again, recovery time is greatly reduced and the cosmetic result is enhanced.

ResultsWhether applied topically or injected intradermally, PRP treatments, alone or in tandem with other procedures, have the ability to produce positive cosmetic outcomes for patients as well as:

Improved general appearance

Improved tone

Improved texture

A natural, younger looking appearance

Get in touch todayClinics Direct are the UK supplier of e+PRP. If you want to find out more, fill out our online form to book a free demonstration of our unique single-use system and see how PRP can work for your patients.